Even smaller entities are facing troubling times when it comes to costs. Last week, Silver Creek Village Board presented its budget proposal for 2025-26.

Its tentative plan showed an increase of approximately 65 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. That exceeds the tax cap of $1,145,000 by $14,192.

“The village will be working diligently to reduce this,” Mayor Jeff Hornburg said of the proposed rate increase.

Silver Creek is lucky. Years ago, it eliminated its police force and contracted with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department for patrols.

If the department was still around, there’s no telling how much the tax hike would be. That was a smart step.

Another positive move would be continuing to work closer with the town of Hanover — maybe combining its Department of Public Works with the town Highway Department.

There’s savings to be had through municipal mergers. Getting past stubborn attitudes, however, is usually the biggest hindrance to that.